However, few people know that there are hardly any other products for which there are as many alternatives as for straws. These alternatives also happen to be reusable and biodegradable. In the following article, let us look at 7 of the most environmentally friendly alternatives
1. The Stainless Steel Straw
Steel straws are a great alternative because they are durable, easy to transport, and easy to clean. Some of these straws also include a cleaning brush. However, you should be careful with hot drinks because metal conducts heat and thus, there is a danger that you might end up burning yourself!
2. Silicone straw
Although silicone is a kind of plastic, this is also a great alternative to plastic straws. Silicone straws are very heat resistant, non-toxic, and can be used over and over again. Besides, the fact that they are soft and flexible means that they are easy to transport and can not hurt your teeth.
3. Glass straw
Glass straws have an advantage in that they are transparent, so you can see if they are well cleaned or not. In addition, they are heat resistant and also dishwasher safe. The only disadvantage is the danger that they can break if they fall on the concrete ground.
4. Bamboo straw
Bamboo straws can be biodegraded naturally and are also very durable. They are also heat resistant and can be cleaned with a cleaning brush
5. Paper straw
Paper straws are one of the most popular alternatives to plastic straws in many restaurants. However, they are not the best alternative because after some time they end up absorbing the liquid, and that affects the taste. Furthermore, not all paper straws are environmentally friendly, as some of them biodegrade very slowly.
6. Pasta straw
The noodle straw consists, as the name suggests, of noodles. As long as you don’t put them in hot water, they will keep for a long time. They are also compostable after use and therefore very environmentally friendly. Since they consist of noodles, you can even eat them after use.
7. Drinking without a straw
The most environmentally friendly way to consume drinks is without using a straw. Also, it is the cheapest way, and your drink will retain its taste one hundred percent. One way for restaurants to enforce this would be to give straws only on request.
In the end, it depends on your preferences which straw type you choose. Most of the straws presented here have the same properties and are, above all, reusable and dishwasher safe. The silicone straws are especially suitable for children.
On the other hand, bamboo straws are the most environmentally friendly type, as they are 100% natural and degradable.
